I bought my Phantom Blue Sport 5 Speed on July 7.So Far I have put 710 mile on it. I was the only one to test drive it so except for the dealer getting gas and moving it around the lot 705 of the miles are mine.

Bought mine the other day (July 22). Carbon gray, Touring automatic with nav. Drove 200 miles yesterday and it really is fun to drive. I'm so glad that I waited. I originally planned to buy Honda CRV three months ago.

The A/C is not the 5's strong department. I'm thinking that the windows have to be tinted to lend support to the A/C. The A/C however doesn't drag the engine as far as I am concerned. I didn't detect any deterioration at all. However, I don't drive aggressively. I always stick to speed limits even on the highway.

Automatic Climate control works fine in the hot and humid environment of Louisiana. A/C has to be always on when you drive here during this time of the year but the engine is still strong. It does not "drag the engine down" at all. I have no problem with my A/C, not like others say it is weak.

When I drove a Touring/Auto the A/C did not seem to bother it at all, but I live on the Oregon coast and the temp struggles to get over 60F at times--maybe 65F the day I drove it. It was hard to tell if it was even on except the air coming out of the vents was a bit cooler than outside.

We use A/C here to mainly cool off a car from the sun (when it shines)..and the black interior will probably heat up a bit with only lite tinting on the windows or when we go to the Willamette Valley, where it is quite a bit warmer than the coast, but nothing like Louisiana or Arizona. However it seems quite warm to us "coasties" if it gets over 80.

Yes, I have had 2nd and 3rd row passengers and everybody are comfortable with the temperature inside even though temp outside reads 95 degrees F. I set the temp inside to 70 degrees F and set the fan to number 3.

We're happy proud owners of a white touring 5 in the bay area, CA. Haven't been able to carry 6 passengers yet to test AC, but great for 4. AC set at 60F cools the whole cabin quickly and grandma on 2nd row is comfortable after leaving '5 baking under the noon sun (in the low to mid 90's). It seems good enough from the third row, but the weather is not as humid here.

All I can say is it's most fun I've had driving in a very long time. Turning and handling is one of the best for this size or bigger vehicle I've tried so far. I believe it's the 5's best trait.

When we picked up the car it had 27 miles on it. We put on an extra 50 bringing it home and showing it off to some friends. Our friends sat in the 2nd row, and they kept commenting on how quiet the car was. No complaints so far, everything's working perfectly.

I loved driving the car home...but my wife will be the one to do most of the driving in it from now on. If I'm lucky she'll let me drive it sometimes

Wife and I just purchased our new Platinum Silver 5 last week. 2 days later, we went on a drive up to Port Angles (100 miles) to catch the ferry to Victoria, B C. It is a Touring Model with Navigation, Auto Temp, 6 disc CD and Auto Transmission. The car handles very well, steering is very impressive. As for the trip, we have a 4 month old (cries the whole way on every car trip), a two year old, two rather large suitcases, double stroller, umbrella stroller, 2 diaper bags, snack bag, laptop, portable dvd player, huge freaking bag of my wife's shoes, swimming toys, kids' toys and a 2.5 gallon jug of water. It all fit! With all that weight, the 5 handled very well. I had the A/C going the whole time and went 415 miles on 1 tank of gas! As for complaints, the stereo is not that great and the seat belt retainers in the back are very brittle. The one on the driver's side broke. Mazda is replacing it for free. So far, we put 900 miles on the car with 2.9 tanks of gas.

I'd be curious to hear more about your radio. I have a touring model also, which has the upgraded 6-CD in-dash stereo. I haven't had a problem; I think it actually rocks pretty well (between Caillou sing-a-long songs for the boys - 2 and 5 - and Metallica for dad). But I usually drive with an empty back and the 3rd row folded. I have noticed that when the car is stuffed from Costco runs, the sound from the rear is definitely more muffled.PS I agree on the belt retainers. Haven't broken one yet, but they don't "retain" very well.

I bought my cardinal red Touring model with auto trans on July 16. The first tank of gas worked out to an even 20 mpg with mixed highway/city driving. A/C was on full blast practically the whole time (90+ degree days) and I was carting around 4 other adults for most of that time also. No complaints from any of them about lack of room, comfort, or cool air. Power was adequate if not thrilling. No complaints so far except the missing passenger armrest and lack of knee padding on console and door for this 250-pound 6-footer.

I'm reposting this as my first post (with a link to pics of the car) ran afoul of the mods. Mea culpa. Anyone know how I can add pics now?

I had an Eddie Bauer Expedition with a Mach 460 stereo and a Volvo 850 with a "premium" stereo previous to the 5. The sound in both vehicles seems to surround you and had better overall acoustic quality. That is why I would prefer a better sounding stereo in the 5, I was somewhat spoiled.

Just got my new Mazda5 today, Phantom Blue Sport, Popular equipment and Moonroof. Absolutely love it, what a blast to drive. I will probaly miss my 2.slow Jetta, but not much.

If anyone has the autodimming/compass mirror, how has the large back glass affected the autodimming function? I am worried that with as much light coming through the hatch as there is that the mirror can't keep up.

Just bought a Carbon Gray Touring Manual. I love it. We were considering a Mazda3 and walked into the showroom and saw the 5. Toyed with the idea for a month and then decided to buy. Had to order and 1 month later it was here. Really like the fact that it is a manual. I can't stand to drive automatics, no sense of control. One thing that is disappointing and that is the lack of accessories. Had to order at same time to get them. Now have to wait until list is published.

The technology all comes from the same vendor. My MB ML320 has dark factory glass in the rear and the autodimming mirror works flawlessly. All sorts of other combinations with other vehicles and it still works well. Worry about something else if you must.